The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) aims to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by 40% during the 18 months of the study through implementation of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) across health care, behavioral health, justice, and other community settings by:
- Increasing naloxone (Narcan) distribution and overdose prevention education
- Increasing access to medication for opioid use disorder
- Improving opioid prescribing safety
From July 2022 through December 2023, a coalition of diverse community stakeholders is meeting to review local data and resources, consider how to best apply the EBPs locally, then continually evaluate their implementation and impact.